Chapter 156

I’m not sure why, but suddenly the atmosphere changed.

However, Evan had no regrets about what he had just said.

He had spoken all his thoughts honestly and clearly.

Perhaps because of that declaration filled with determination, the Pope, who had been sending hostile glances toward Evan earlier, now wore a softened expression.

For reasons unknown, it was a relief that the hostility directed at him had eased. Receiving such hostile looks from none other than the Supreme Leader of the Holy Kingdom, Valkran, was draining even for a hero like him.

Who knows what might happen…

Of course, as long as Aria existed as a saint, he would not be attacked, but just stepping outside, he felt strangely hostile gazes directed at him, making him think that perhaps he was not welcomed by Valkran.

‘But the citizens don’t seem to feel that way…’

People walking around and the nuns had no trace of hostility in their glances toward him.

Strangely, it was only from the Pope and the Paladins that he felt such glares.

These were supposed to be the elite of Valkran.

But…

‘It’s a relief.’

Isn’t it said that sincerity connects?

By telling the Pope how much he cared for Aria, perhaps despite his previous wrongdoing, they had granted him a pardon on the condition that he would help in defeating the Demon King.

Although he couldn’t know their true thoughts, he decided to be grateful that the hostility in their gazes had vanished.

As he thought this, closing his eyes and bowing his head, the Pope, who had been silent, gently called out to Evan.

“Hero.”

“… Yes?”

What was it?

As he raised his head to meet the Pope’s gaze, he saw that, unlike earlier when it was filled with hostility, now there was a face full of concern.

Was it worry for Aria?

“I have mentioned this to that child as well… but I often wonder if it was truly right to bring her here and raise her as a nun.”

“…”

“She said she would be fine, but the thought of that pure girl having to make sacrifices… If only I could step in her place, I would want that.”

The Pope shook his head.

Unfortunately, it is said that the Pope is elected from among humans in a manner most fitting for the papal position. In other words, the most recognized among the priests rises to the supreme leader’s position.

While faith is certainly important, the talent for Divine Power and the ability to wield it does not always correlate strictly with faith, meaning that not all past Popes could possess overwhelming Divine Power.

The current Pope possessed strong Divine Power, it is true, but it was still incomparable to the saint who was directly chosen by God and granted divine powers.

The very nature of a saint’s power is an alien yet formidable strength that could change the world, so it is only natural that a Pope, who belongs to the category of ordinary humans, cannot perform miracles akin to those of a saint.

It is impossible to step in for the saint.

“I too… wish that Aria wouldn’t have to participate in the defeat of this Demon King, but that would indeed be difficult…”

No matter how sad it is that Aria must deal with this, if the world were to perish, everything, including sympathy, would come to an end.

For now, the only method available to defeat the Demon King lies with the Hero and the Saint stepping up.

It’s unfortunate, but he would have no choice but to ask Aria to assist in the defeat of the Demon King.

The only positive aspect is that she seems agreeable about it…

But perhaps being overly enthusiastic is the real problem.

With a sigh, the Pope continued speaking.

“As you know, Aria is quite naïve.”

That’s to be expected.

She had only recently entered the world, and unlike those of us who see and hear, Aria’s understanding is limited.

There are likely many uncomfortable aspects as well.

“I ask you to take care of Aria.”

The Pope bowed his head toward Evan.

“….”

Evan thought of Aria.

He recalled the innocent girl who had smiled brightly, claiming she was happy just rolling around in the snow.

And then he remembered her in the Realm, still playing around while snowstorms raged.

Someday… in order to prevent her from recalling such painful memories.

“Yes, I will definitely make her happy.”

“… That’s all I needed to hear.”

Even if he could not connect with Aria, as long as it was the happiness she desired, he would secretly erase this infatuation he held.

It wasn’t that he merely loved Aria; he genuinely wished for her happiness.

Yes, he would make her happy.

Certainly.

*

The time spent in the Holy Kingdom was quite enjoyable.

Whenever he met with the Paladins, there were only stories from the Academy to share, recounting fond memories, which led to the minor issue of them glaring at Evan more fiercely, but he resolved that on his own.

After all, Evan was not someone to be glared at like that.

Of course, if someone were to ask how I could know about the glances without being able to see, sadly, if they were sending such emotionally charged looks, the thoughts would be clear from the feelings that spilled over.

Ultimately, it’s how much one hides their true self that determines how much those thoughts are communicated.

This isn’t an absolute power.

For instance, the desire that Asclyna holds could appear pure and innocent just for wanting simple pleasure, but that very intensity didn’t present itself as a naive girl to Asclyna.

Most abilities have their own weaknesses.

Even the thoughts I’m using to communicate right now can lead to false information if the person receiving them is capable of misinterpreting.

In the end, thoughts are a reflection of what a person outwardly reveals; if one is lying while genuinely believing it, I have no choice but to accept that.

Well, that’s a bit ambiguous to label as a weakness. There are certainly instances of lying during typical conversations as well, right?

It’s somewhat similar to that.

And it’s just how my method of communication is…

“[How was the Holy Kingdom? I thought it might be a bit boring for you all to stay there.]”

“It wasn’t particularly boring. Given the shocking events we’ve experienced up till now, it felt kind of healing… for various reasons,” Stella said, expressing that it didn’t bother her, and she actually appreciated the rest.

Evan, however, felt differently.

“Sorry… I’m feeling a bit ill…”

With that, he let out a sigh.

‘Good grief…’

Thanks to my earlier advice to stop glaring at him like that, the hostile looks had ceased, but given the initial impressions he had received, it didn’t seem like he was well-regarded.

It felt like it had been this way last time too and now it was repeating.

It’s unfortunate.

“I’m sorry. Later, I’ll make sure to educate those kids.”

“[I’d appreciate that, Dannes… I hope you can really give them a good scolding.]”

“Yes, understood. And Hero, I truly wish to apologize sincerely.”

“It’s fine… really…”

Dannes offered a genuine apology to Evan.

“Still, I hope you understand. Most of our kids are genuinely concerned about the Saint. They likely glared at you out of worry for her.”

“[P-Please tell them it’s unnecessary to worry so much from now on.]”

“I will make sure of that…”

Dannes bowed his head as he responded.

Well, I suppose it’s not something I need to react to too much since it didn’t happen directly to me.

However, sending such looks toward someone destined to save the world felt somehow offensive, prompting an unintended sensitive reaction from me.

It shouldn’t have been a big deal in the first place.

‘No… it’s not entirely unjustifiable that it affected me…?’

After all, this is my homeland and a country I should take pride in, yet bringing a guest and receiving them in such a ridiculous way is something I should feel ashamed about.

This is definitely something I should be embarrassed about.

“[I’m sorry, Evan. Dannes said he’d educate them well, so would you please forgive them?]”

“As I said earlier, it’s not something I’m too concerned about. And it’s not that I don’t understand why they’d look that way…”

Why does she seem to understand everything?

Is that what makes her a hero?

I feel bad for her now.

“Ah… We’ve arrived.”

Have we already made it?

“Is this the capital of the Empire…?”

“I told you I didn’t want to come, but they forced me here… honestly…”

Stella’s sulking remark made me chuckle softly.

We have now arrived at the capital of the Empire.

Invited by Uriel.